MIKE STOREY is a man who likes to keep busy. For the past 36 years, his work on Liverpool Council has been a big draw on his time.

And, despite having handed over the reins of power as council leader in 2005, he is likely to have one of his busiest years.

Tonight, the headteacher of Plantation Primary School, Halewood, will become Liverpool’s first citizen.

His wife, Carole, a teacher at Childwall Comprehensive, will be his Lady Mayoress, and fittingly Cllr Storey wants to use the year to raise money for children’s charities.

It marks a new chapter in the life of the one-time council leader who is often credited with leading the regeneration of Liverpool and the vision to build Liverpool One.

“It’s a great privilege to be asked to become Lord Mayor,” said Cllr Storey, 59.

“It’s a very different job from being leader. The first citizen of the city is a non-political role. During my year, I will treat everyone with equality.

“I am looking forward to it now. But I have been filled with trepidation. I see what a tremendous job the previous Lord Mayors have done.

“Every year I like to set myself a challenge to do something new.”

When he’s not walking his dog, training in the gym, engaged in politics, he might be reading or visiting the cinema or the theatre.

“I like being a busy person. As a headteacher, I feel I should be the first in and the last to leave. If I am doing a job properly, I like to do it properly.”

“I want my focus to be on special folk in Liverpool’s communities, and the people who go unnoticed.

“If it was not for these people, Liverpool would not be as amazing as it is.

“Whether it be social workers that get a bad press or have to grapple with horrendous problems, or the emergency services or volunteers, we need to realise these people are special to us.

“As a teacher, my other focus is going to be children and young people, and I want my year to celebrate them.